Happy New Year! Wouldn’t you love it if I told you fats are good for you and you need to eat more fat this year? Well, its your lucky year, because that is what I am here to tell you! Many people think they need to avoid fats like butter or coconut oil thinking them to be “harmful” saturated fats. Some even avoid fats all together thinking they are going to make them fat. In fact, our bodies need fats to properly function, especially good fats such as butter and coconut oil. The culprits that are making us fat are processed carbohydrates and excessive sugars, as well as the polyunsaturated fats or processed vegetable oils (margarine, corn, soy, and canola oils, etc) and trans-fats found abundantly in many people’s diet. Eating an abundance of processed vegetable oils can wreak havoc on the immune system and proper functioning of the body. These oils are often rancid and also they have a high Omega-6 content and create an imbalance of essential fatty acids including Omega-3’s in the body. You can learn more about good fats and bad fats in my latest book co-authored with Dr. Brownstein called The Skinny on Fats.
Let’s talk about coconut oil…
Coconut oil itself is a very healthy fat and I suggest it to be your new go-to fat for a Healthy New Year! Coconut oil is great for cooking and baking, as well as for its ability to help your thyroid, hormones, and even weight issues. Coconut oil is also known for its lauric acid content and its immune enhancing properties. Lauric acid has been shown in various scientific studies to contain bacterial and anti-viral properties. A form of lauric acid is found naturally in human milk and helps to keep infants from being infected by viruses and bacteria.
Coconut oil is different then most fats in that it is made up of mostly medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs). MCFA’s are quite stable and are not prone to oxidation making coconut oil a great oil to cook with because it can withstand heat and also it does not need refrigeration. MCFA’s are also digested and utilized differently then other fats in the body. They are used immediately to make energy in the body and are great for weight loss! Yes, I did say weight loss. I wrote a whole chapter about this in my book!
Ideas for implementation of coconut oil in your diet in 2017:
- Use as replacement for shortening, margarine, and all processed oils (soy, corn, canola, etc.)
- Use for baking brownies, cakes, cookies, muffins, etc.
- Use to fry foods or sauté vegetables, meats, eggs, etc.
- Use on popcorn along with some Celtic sea salt for a great snack!
- Spread on bread (try ½ butter and ½ coconut oil mixed together)
- Take as a supplement – stir 1-2 Tbsp in to warm water, tea or broth and drink before meals; this is especially great for weight loss and combating candida
- Mix into soups or stews
- Spread on face and body as a great skin moisturizer
- Rub it into your hair and scalp for healthy, shiny hair and to reduce dry scalp
- **Get more tips in my FREE Coconut Oil Reference Guide
- Shop for coconut oil, coconut milk and more at this online health market at discounted prices!
